Do you always SEE evidence of bees gathering nectar and pollen?

[Jimhuck]

Hi all

Blackberries are starting to blossom like crazy here. I'm concerned that very few of the bees coming back to the hive seem to be carrying anything with them. Their bodies aren't coated in pollen. Do you always see evidence of good foraging?

[Buzzen]

Mine aren't bringing in much pollen right now at all. I'm assuming they are bringing in nectar, cause they are busy bees right now!

[NasalSponge]

Also keep in mind there will be a lot of water gatherers this time of year.

[Ben Franklin]

I been watching the bees and flowers;
One time you see bees on clover the next nothing.
I know my girls are collecting nectar and pollen, but from where?
Elder berry and sumac are blooming now, but I haven't see any bees on them.
Sweet clover and dutch seems to be the ones I see the most bees on so far.
When bees go a mile and a half out to collect who knows what they are after.
Always makes me wonder how anyone can label honey "Pure Clover" or what ever.
I'm in North East Ohio
Ben

[Fuzzy]

If you can watch the bee's activity on the blackberry flower you will likely determine that they are gathering nectar. It is a different type of activity than pollen gathering. Watch poppy blossoms to observe pollen gathering.